Page 43 of For Blood

She watched as the realization sank in for both of them.Phillips seemed to deflate, resignation settling over him like a heavy blanket.Sarah, on the other hand, looked ready to argue, her body tense and coiled like a spring.

Morgan's mind raced, weighing the risks.Every second they delayed was a second Whitaker could be getting closer.She couldn't let her promise to protect them be broken by their own stubbornness.

"I'm not asking," Morgan said, her voice firm but not unkind."This isn't about your comfort or your pride.It's about survival.Whitaker has already killed one witness.I won't let him get to you two as well."

She met their gazes, one after the other, willing them to understand the gravity of the situation."You're the only ones left who can tie him to the past.If he gets into this building, you'll be his first target.I can't protect you if you're out in the open."

The silence that followed was heavy, charged with unspoken fears and reluctant acceptance.Morgan could almost see the gears turning in their heads, weighing their options—which, in reality, were non-existent.

Finally, Phillips spoke, his voice barely above a whisper."Okay.If you think it's best."

Sarah's jaw clenched, but after a moment, she gave a sharp nod."Fine.But this doesn't mean I believe Whitaker is guilty."

Morgan felt a wave of relief wash over her, quickly replaced by renewed determination."Understood.Now, let's move.Quickly and quietly.Stay close."

Sarah's eyes narrowed, her pride visibly wrestling with the reality of their situation.Morgan could practically see the internal struggle playing out across her face.The woman's fingers twitched at her sides, as if itching to refuse, to fight back against the idea of being locked away.

But then Phillips gave a slow, resigned nod, and Sarah's resolve wavered.

Morgan seized the moment, her voice low and urgent."Listen, I have the only key.This isn't about locking you up like criminals.It's about keeping you safe."She leaned in, her dark eyes intense."Just until we catch Whitaker.That's all I'm asking."

The tattoos on Morgan's arms seemed to ripple as she gestured, a physical reminder of the years she'd spent wrongfully imprisoned.She knew better than anyone the weight of being locked up, but she also understood the necessity of survival at all costs.

"And what if you don't catch him?"Sarah challenged, her voice barely above a whisper.

Morgan's jaw tightened."We will.But right now, I need you both out of harm's way so I can focus on bringing him in."

Phillips cleared his throat."She's right, Sarah.We'd just be liabilities out there."

Sarah's shoulders slumped, the fight draining out of her.She exhaled sharply, the sound cutting through the tense silence."Fine.Let's get this over with."

Relief flooded through Morgan, quickly replaced by a renewed sense of urgency."This way," she instructed, leading them towards the back of the station.

As they walked, Morgan's mind raced.The weight of responsibility pressed down on her, threatening to suffocate.She'd been framed once before and spent a decade behind bars for a crime she didn't commit.Now, she was willingly putting two innocent people in cells.The irony wasn't lost on her, but she pushed the thought aside.This was different.This was necessary.

They reached the holding area, the reinforced metal doors looming before them.Morgan's fingers brushed against the mechanical lock, a small comfort in its simplicity.No fancy electronics here, nothing that could be hacked or overridden.Just cold, reliable steel.

"In you go," she said, her voice softer than she intended.

Phillips stepped inside first, his movements slow and deliberate.Sarah hesitated at the threshold, muttering something under her breath that sounded suspiciously like a curse.Finally, she entered, sinking onto the bench with a resigned sigh.

Morgan watched them, her heart heavy."I'll be back as soon as I can," she promised, her hand resting on the door."Try to get some rest if you can."

As she prepared to close the door, a sudden, chilling thought struck her.What if Whitaker had already infiltrated the station?What if, in her attempt to protect Sarah and Phillips, she was actually trapping them?

Morgan shook her head, forcing the paranoia away.No, this was the right call.It had to be.Because if it wasn't, she'd never forgive herself.

The heavy door swung shut with a resounding clang, the sound echoing through the narrow corridor.Morgan's fingers trembled slightly as she turned the key in the lock, the mechanism sliding into place with a final, decisive click.She stepped back, her hand lingering on the cool metal for a moment before she pressed the key deep into her pocket.

"It's done," she murmured, more to herself than anyone else.Her gaze swept over the locked door one last time, a mixture of relief and unease churning in her gut.

As she turned, her eyes met Derik's.He stood by the exit, his lean frame taut with tension, green eyes sharp and alert.The sight of him steadied her, as it always did.

"You ready?"he asked, his voice low and urgent.

Morgan nodded, squaring her shoulders."Let's end this."

They moved swiftly through the precinct, the air thick with anticipation.Officers bustled around them, their faces grim and determined.Morgan could feel the weight of their expectations pressing down on her.

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